Torches and methods of using them

ABSTRACT

Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a torch that includes a suitable amount of a refractory material. In some embodiments, the torch can include one or more non-refractory materials in combination with a refractory material. In some embodiments, the torch can comprise a refractory material and an optically transparent window. In other embodiments, the torch can comprise a material comprising a melting point higher than the melting point of quartz.

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/940,077 filed on Jul. 11, 2013. U.S.application Ser. No. 13/940,077 claimed priority to each of U.S.Application No 61/671,291 filed on Jul. 13, 2012 and U.S. ApplicationNo. 61/781,758 filed on Mar. 14, 2013, the entire disclosure of each ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

This application is related to torches that can be used to sustain anatomization source. In certain embodiments, the torch can comprise atleast one refractory material in an effective amount or region toincrease the torch life. In other embodiments, the torch can comprise amaterial comprising a melting point higher than the melting point ofquartz.

BACKGROUND

A torch is typically used to sustain an atomization source such as aplasma. The high temperatures can greatly reduce the lifetime of thetorch.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a torch comprising a body configured to sustain anatomization source in the body, in which at least an exit end of thebody comprises at least one refractory material is provided.

In certain embodiments, the refractory material is coated onto the bodyof the torch. In some embodiments, the refractory material is present inan effective length along the longitudinal dimension of the torch body.In other embodiments, the refractory material is present in an effectivethickness at the terminal region. In certain examples, the entire bodycomprises the refractory material. In some embodiments, the bodycomprises an opening configured to receive an optically transparentmaterial, e.g., a window that can transmit or pass light in a radialdirection from the torch. In some examples, the body comprises an outertube and an inner tube within the outer tube, in which the refractorymaterial is present on one of the inner tube and the outer tube. Inadditional examples, the body comprises an outer tube and an inner tubewithin the outer tube, in which the refractory material is present onboth the inner tube and the outer tube. In some examples, the bodycomprises a non-refractory material at an entrance end and therefractory material at the exit end. In other examples, the refractorymaterial and non-refractory material are coupled to each other with anadhesive or cement, e.g., 904 Zirconia cement.

In some embodiments, the refractory material and non-refractory materialare fused to each other. In certain embodiments, the refractory materialand non-refractory material are coupled to each other through a frit ora ground glass joint. In certain examples, the body comprises in whichthe body comprises an outer tube and an inner tube within the outertube, in which the inner tube comprises a non-refractory material at anentrance end and the refractory material is at an exit end of the innertube. In certain embodiments, the refractory material and non-refractorymaterial are coupled to each other with an adhesive or cement, e.g., 904Zirconia cement. In some embodiments, the refractory material andnon-refractory material are fused to each other. In certain examples,the refractory material and non-refractory material are coupled to eachother through a frit or a ground glass joint. In other examples, thebody comprises an outer tube and an inner tube within the outer tube, inwhich the inner tube comprises the refractory material and an opticallytransparent window. In certain embodiments, the optically transparentwindow is configured to permit visual observation of an atomizationsource within the inner tube. In some embodiments, the opticallytransparent window is configured to pass visible light.

In additional examples, the refractory materials comprise at least oneof alumina, zirconia, yttria, ceria, silicon nitride, boron nitride orrefractory materials or ceramics that have working temperature greaterthan 1600 degrees Celsius or greater than 2000 degrees Celsius.

In another aspect, a torch comprising a hollow cylindrical outer tubeand a hollow cylindrical inner tube within the hollow cylindrical outertube, the hollow cylindrical outer tube comprising a fluid inletconfigured to receive a cooling gas flow to cool outer surfaces of thehollow cylindrical inner tube, the hollow cylindrical inner tubeconfigured to receive a gas effective to sustain an atomization sourcein the hollow tube, in which an exit end of the hollow cylindrical outertube comprises a refractory material.

In certain embodiments, an exit end of the hollow cylindrical inner tubecomprises a refractory material. In some embodiments, an entrance end ofthe hollow cylindrical outer tube comprises a non-refractory material.In further embodiments, the non-refractory material and the refractorymaterial are coupled to each other. In some examples, the refractorymaterial and the non-refractory material are coupled to each otherthrough one or more of an adhesive, cement, a frit, a ground glass jointor are fused to each other. In additional examples, the refractorymaterial of the outer tube comprises an effective length in thelongitudinal direction of the inner tube. In some examples, therefractory material is coated onto an inner surface of the exit end ofthe outer hollow cylindrical tube. In certain embodiments, the exit endcomprises solid refractory material. In other embodiments, therefractory material is present at an effective thickness to preventdegradation of the exit end of the outer tube.

In an additional aspect, a torch comprising a hollow cylindrical tubewith an entrance end comprising a non-refractory material and an exitend comprising a refractory material, in which the non-refractorymaterial and the refractory material are coupled to each other toprovide a substantially fluid tight seal between the entrance end andthe exit end is provided.

In certain embodiments, the refractory material and non-refractorymaterial are coupled with an adhesive or cement, e.g., 904 Zirconiacement. In other embodiments, the refractory material and non-refractorymaterial are fused to each other. In some examples, the refractorymaterial and non-refractory material are coupled to each other through afrit or a ground glass joint. In some embodiments, the torch comprises ahollow cylindrical inner tube within the hollow cylindrical tube, theinner tube configured to sustain an atomization source.

In another aspect, a torch comprising a refractory material outer tubeand an optically transparent window in the refractory material outertube is provided.

In certain embodiments, the optically transparent window is at anentrance end of the torch. In other embodiments, the opticallytransparent window is configured to permit passage of visiblewavelengths of light. In additional embodiments, a second opticallytransparent window configured to permit measurement of absorption oflight by species in the torch can be present. In some embodiments, arefractory material inner tube positioned within the refractory materialouter tune, in which the refractory material inner tube comprises anoptically transparent window can be present. In some instances, theoptically transparent window of the inner tube is aligned with theoptically transparent window of the outer tube. In additional examples,the torch can include an additional optically transparent window in therefractory material outer tube. In some embodiments, the opticallytransparent window is fused to the refractory material outer tube. Insome embodiments, the optically transparent window is coupled to therefractory material outer tube through a frit or a ground glass joint.

In an additional aspect, a system for sustaining an atomization sourcecomprising a torch comprising a hollow cylindrical outer tube comprisingan entrance end and an exit end, in which the exit end comprises arefractory material in an effective length to prevent degradation of theexit end of the torch, and an induction device comprising an apertureconfigured to receive the torch and provide radio frequency energy tothe torch to sustain the atomization source in the body of the torch. Insome embodiments, the refractory material may be present in an effectiveamount.

In certain examples, the induction device can be configured as a helicalcoil. In other embodiments, the induction device can be configured as atleast one plate electrode. In further embodiments, the induction devicecan be configured as two plate electrodes. In some examples, theinduction device can be configured as three plate electrodes.

In some embodiments, the torch further comprises an inner hollowcylindrical tube comprising an entrance end and an exit end, in whichthe exit end of the inner hollow tube comprises a refractory material inan effective length and an effective amount to prevent degradation ofthe exit end of the inner hollow tube. In certain examples, the systemcan include a radio frequency energy source electrically coupled to theinduction device. In some embodiments, the system can include a detectorconfigured to detect excited species in the torch body. In otherembodiments, the system can include a mass spectrometer fluidicallycoupled to the torch body and configured to receive species exiting fromthe torch body.

In another aspect, a system for sustaining an atomization sourcecomprising a torch comprising a hollow cylindrical outer tube comprisingan entrance end and an exit end and a hollow cylindrical inner tubecomprising an entrance end and an exit end, in which the inner tube ispositioned in the outer tube, in which the exit end of the outer tubecomprises a refractory material in an effective length and an effectiveamount to prevent degradation of the exit end of the outer tube, and aninduction device comprising an aperture configured to receive the torchand provide radio frequency energy to the torch to sustain theatomization source in the body of the torch.

In certain embodiments, the induction device is configured as a helicalcoil. In other embodiments, the induction device is configured as atleast one plate electrode. In some examples, the induction device isconfigured as two plate electrodes. In other examples, the inductiondevice is configured as three plate electrodes. In some embodiments, theinner tube further comprises a refractory material at the exit end. Inother examples, the system can include a radio frequency energy sourceelectrically coupled to the induction device. In some embodiments, thesystem can include a detector configured to detect excited species inthe torch body. In certain examples, the system can include a massspectrometer fluidically coupled to the torch body and configured toreceive species exiting from the torch body.

In an additional aspect, a method of reducing degradation of a torchconfigured to sustain an atomization source, the method comprisingproviding a torch comprising a hollow cylindrical outer tube comprisingan entrance end and an exit end, in which the exit end comprises aneffective amount of a refractory material is provided.

In certain embodiments, the method can include configuring therefractory material to be present at an effective length in alongitudinal direction of the torch and along an internal surface of theouter tube of the torch. In other embodiments, the method can includeconfiguring the refractory material to be coated onto the inner surfaceof the outer tube of the torch. In further embodiments, the method caninclude configuring the refractory material to be at least one ofalumina, yttria, ceria, boron nitride, silicon nitride and otherrefractory materials. In certain examples, the method can includeconfiguring the torch with a hollow cylindrical inner tube comprising anentrance end and an exit end, in which the exit end of the inner tubecomprises an effective amount of a refractory material.

In another aspect, a method of reducing degradation of a torchconfigured to sustain an atomization source, the method comprisingproviding a torch comprising a hollow cylindrical outer tube comprisingan entrance end and an exit end and a hollow cylindrical inner tubewithin the hollow cylindrical outer tube, in which the hollowcylindrical inner tube comprises an entrance end and an exit end and inwhich the exit end of the outer tube comprises an effective amount of arefractory material is described.

In certain embodiments, the method can include configuring therefractory material to be present at an effective length in alongitudinal direction of the torch and along an internal surface of theouter tube of the torch. In other embodiments, the method can includeconfiguring the refractory material to be coated onto the inner surfaceof the outer tube of the torch. In some embodiments, the method caninclude configuring the refractory material to be at least one ofalumina, yttria, ceria, boron nitride, silicon nitride and otherrefractory materials. In some examples, the method can includeconfiguring the torch with a hollow cylindrical inner tube comprising anentrance end and an exit end, in which the exit end of the inner tubecomprises an effective amount of a refractory material.

In another aspect, a torch comprising a body configured to sustain anatomization source in the body, in which at least an exit end of thebody comprises at least one material comprising a melting point higherthan a melting point of quartz is provided.

In certain embodiments, the at least one material comprises a meltingpoint at least 5% higher, 10% higher, 15% higher, 20% higher, 25% higheror more than the melting point of quartz. For example, the material canbe a machinable glass ceramic such as, for example, Macor® machine glassceramic commercially available from MTC Wesgo Duramic. In someembodiments, the entire body comprises the at least one materialcomprising the melting point higher than the melting point of quartz. Incertain examples, the body comprises an opening configured to receive anoptically transparent material. In other embodiments, the body comprisesan outer tube and an inner tube within the outer tube, in which the atleast one material comprising the melting point higher than the meltingpoint of quartz is present on one of the inner tube and the outer tube.In some examples, the body comprises an outer tube and an inner tubewithin the outer tube, in which the at least one material comprising themelting point higher than the melting point of quartz is present on boththe inner tube and the outer tube. In certain examples, the bodycomprises a material other than the at least one material comprising themelting point higher than the melting point of quartz at an entrance endof the torch. In further examples, the materials are coupled to eachother with an adhesive or a cement. In additional examples, thematerials are fused to each other. In some embodiments, the materialsare coupled to each other through a frit or a ground glass joint. Incertain examples, the torch can include an optically transparent windowin the body. In other examples, the optically transparent windowcomprises an effective size for use with a fiber optic device. Incertain embodiments, the optically transparent window comprises aneffective size for viewing of an atomization source in the body with theunaided human eye.

In an additional aspect, a torch comprising a hollow cylindrical outertube and a hollow cylindrical inner tube within the hollow cylindricalouter tube, the hollow cylindrical outer tube comprising a fluid inletconfigured to receive a cooling gas flow to cool outer surfaces of thehollow cylindrical inner tube, the hollow cylindrical inner tubeconfigured to receive a gas effective to sustain an atomization sourcein the hollow tube, in which an exit end of the hollow cylindrical outertube comprises at least one material comprising a melting point higherthan a melting point of quartz is described. In certain embodiments, theat least one material comprises a melting point at least 5% higher, 10%higher, 15% higher, 20% higher, 25% higher or more than the meltingpoint of quartz. In some embodiments, the entire body comprises the atleast one material comprising the melting point higher than the meltingpoint of quartz.

In another aspect, a torch comprising a hollow cylindrical tube with anentrance end and an exit end comprising at least one material comprisinga melting point higher than a melting point of quartz, in which theentrance end and the exit end are coupled to each other to provide asubstantially fluid tight seal between the entrance end and the exit endis described. In certain embodiments, the at least one materialcomprises a melting point at least 5% higher, 10% higher, 15% higher,20% higher, 25% higher or more than the melting point of quartz. In someembodiments, the entire body comprises the at least one materialcomprising the melting point higher than the melting point of quartz.

In an additional aspect, a torch comprising an outer tube comprising atleast one material comprising a melting point higher than a meltingpoint of quartz, and an optically transparent window in the outer tubeis provided. In certain embodiments, the at least one material comprisesa melting point at least 5% higher, 10% higher, 15% higher, 20% higher,25% higher or more than the melting point of quartz. In someembodiments, the entire body comprises the at least one materialcomprising the melting point higher than the melting point of quartz. Incertain examples, the melting point of the at least one materialcomprising the melting point higher than the melting point of quartz isat least 600° C., 625° C., 650° C., 675° C., 700° C., 725° C., 750° C.,775° C., 800° C., 825° C., 850° C., 875° C., 900° C., 925° C., 950° C.,975° C., 1000° C., 1100° C., 1200° C., 1300° C., 1400° C. or at least1500° C.

In certain embodiments, the torches described herein can include two ormore different materials with one of the materials generally beingresistant to temperature degradation. For example, the torches caninclude quartz, e.g., HLQ270V8 quartz, coupled to a nitride, e.g.,silicon nitride, a refractory material or other materials. In someembodiments, the two different materials can be coupled to each otherthrough an interstitial material that can be effective to reduce theexpansion or contraction differences that may result from differentcoefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the different materials. Forexample, the torch may include quartz coupled to silica nitride at a tipof the torch. The silica nitride tip can be coupled to the quartz usingan interstitial material such as, for example, high temperature bondingmaterials, high temperature frits, ground glass or other suitablematerials. In other instances, the tip and the quartz body can becoupled to each other at an elevated temperature to reduce thelikelihood of CTE mismatch causing early deterioration of the torch.

Additional features, aspect, examples and embodiments are described inmore detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Certain embodiments are described with reference to the accompanyingfigures in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a torch, in accordance with certainexamples;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a torch comprising a terminal portioncomprising a refractory material, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a torch comprising an outer tube and aninner tube, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a Fassel torch, in accordance with certainexamples;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a system comprising a torch and a helicalinduction coil, in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a system comprising a torch and a flatplate electrode in accordance with certain examples;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a system mass spectrometry system, inaccordance with certain examples;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an optical emission spectrometer, inaccordance with certain examples;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an atomic absorption spectrometer, inaccordance with certain examples;

FIG. 10 is a photograph of a plasma torch showing devitrification of anexit end of the outer tube of the torch, in accordance with certainexamples; and

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a torch showing illustrative dimensions,in accordance with certain examples.

It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, giventhe benefit of this disclosure, that certain dimensions or features ofthe torches may have been enlarged, distorted or shown in an otherwiseunconventional or non-proportional manner to provide a more userfriendly version of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments are described below with reference to singular andplural terms in order to provide a user friendly description of thetechnology disclosed herein. These terms are used for conveniencepurposes only and are not intended to limit the torches, methods andsystems described herein.

In certain examples, the torches described herein can include one ormore glass materials coupled to one or more other glass materials ornon-glass materials which may have a higher melting point that the baseglass material. Illustrative glass materials are commercially availablefrom numerous sources including, but not limited to, PrecisionElectronics Glass (Vineland, NJ) and may include, for example, quartzglasses or other suitable glasses.

Certain examples of the torches described herein can permit lower gasflows due to the higher temperature tolerances of the torches. By usinglower gas flows, e.g., lower cooling gas flows, the atomization sourcesmay operate at even higher temperatures, which can provide enhancedatomization and/or ionization efficiencies and improved detectionlimits. In some embodiments, the torches described herein may permit aflow rate reduction of 10%, 25%, 50% or more compared to conventionalflow rates used with quartz torches.

In certain embodiments, a side view of an illustration of a body of atorch is shown in FIG. 1. The torch generally includes a body or outertube 100 that comprises a quartz or glass material. The torch isgenerally configured to sustain an atomization source using a gas suchas argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, acetylene or combinations of them or othersuitable gases. In some examples the atomization source can be a plasma,a flame, an arc or other suitable atomization sources. In oneembodiment, the atomization source can be an inductively coupled plasmawhich can be sustained using an induction coil, flat plate electrodes orother suitable induction devices as described herein. Referring again toFIG. 1, the outer tube 100 comprises an entrance end 112 and an exit end114. Gas is provided to the torch through the entrance end 112 and exitsthe torch 114 at the exit end with the gas flowing generally in thedirection of arrow 120. The gas may enter the torch through one or moreside ports (not shown) or through a port generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the outer tube 100. For ease of description, theouter tube 100 can be divided into a first section 130 and a secondsection 140. The first section 130 is generally the section of the torchwhere sample desolvation occurs, and the section 140 of the torch is thesection that is subjected to high temperatures from the atomizationsource. The section 140 may become devitrified, degrade or otherwiserender the torch unsuitable for further use.

In some embodiments, at least an effective amount of the section 140 caninclude a refractory material. The term refractory material refers to amaterial that retains its physical properties at high temperatures,e.g., at or above 1000° F. Refractory materials typically comprise anon-metallic species which may be in the form of an oxide. In someembodiments, the refractory material used in the torches describedherein can be an acidic, neutral or basic refractory material. Theseterms generally refer to the environment that the refractory material issuitable for use in. For example, an acidic refractory material is onesuitable for use in an acidic environment. In some embodiments, an acidmay be present in the sample and/or solvent stream including, forexample, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, aqua regia,hydrofluoric acid and/or phosphoric acid which, in some instances, canbe present from 1-10%, e.g., 2-5%. In other embodiments, organics suchas kerosene, gasoline, and jet fuel can be preset in the sample and/orsolvent. High solids such as salts, brines, sulfates, and high metalconcentrations may also be present in certain instances.

Illustrative acidic refractory materials include, but are not limitedto, silica (SiO₂), zirconia (ZrO₂), alumina (Al₂O₃), fire-clayrefractories and the like. Illustrative neutral refractory materialsinclude, but are not limited to, alumina (Al₂O₃), chromia (Cr₂O₃) andrefractory materials comprising carbon. Illustrative basic refractorymaterials include, but are not limited, magnesia (MgO), dolomite, andchrome-magnesia. While quartz may be considered a refractory material bycertain sources, for purposes of this disclosure quartz is intentionallynot included in the term “refractory material.” For example, the termrefractory material, as used herein, refers to refractory materialsother than quartz. In some embodiments, the refractory material may be arefractory material that is effective to be exposed to a temperature of600° C. or more without substantial degradation. While not wishing to bebound by any particular scientific theory, quartz generally degrades atabout 570° C. If desired, the section 140 may have more than one type ofrefractory material, e.g., a first segment may include one type ofrefractory material and a second segment may include a different type ofrefractory material or different refractory materials may be coated orlayered into the inner surfaces of the section 140.

In some embodiments, the refractory material may be coated onto an innersurface of the tube 100 in an effective length and/or effectivethickness to prevent degradation of the materials comprising the outerportion of the torch section 140, e.g., to prevent degradation of anyquartz present in the outer tube 140. While the exact length of therefractory material may vary, in some embodiments, the refractorymaterial may extend about 15 mm to about 40 mm into the body of thetorch from the exit end, e.g., about 15-27 mm or 26 mm into the body ofthe torch from the exit end 114 of the torch. In other embodiments, therefractory material may extend about 15 mm to about 30 mm into the bodyof the torch from the exit end 114 of the torch. In some instances, therefractory material may extend from the exit end into the torch bodyabout the same length as a slot present in the torch body. In certainembodiments, the illustrative dimensions provided herein for therefractory material may also be used where the material present is amaterial comprising a melting point higher than the melting point ofquartz.

In certain examples, the particular thickness of the refractory coatingon the section 140 of the tube 100 may vary and the coating is notnecessarily the same thickness along the longitudinal axis direction ofthe tube 100. The section 140 may experience higher temperatures atregions adjacent to the desolvation region 130 and lower temperatures atregions adjacent to the exit end 114 of the tube 100. The thicknessadjacent to the end 114 may be less than the thickness present near thedesolvation region 130 to account for the differences in temperature atdifferent regions of the tube 100. While the exact longitudinal lengthof the desolvation region may vary, in certain embodiments, it may beabout 11-15 from one end of the desolvation region to the other. Incertain examples, a refractory material, or a material comprising amelting point higher than a melting point of quartz, may be present fromwhere the desolvation region ends to the exit end 114.

In certain embodiments, the section 140 of the tube 100 maysubstantially comprise a refractory material. For example, the section140 can include a solid body of refractory material that can be coupledto the section 130, which itself may be a refractory material or anon-refractory material. In some embodiments, the refractory materialsection can be coupled to the desolvation region section through anadhesive, a frit, a ground glass joint, can be fused to the desolvationregion section or is otherwise coupled to the desolvation region sectionto provide a substantially fluid tight seal so gas does not leak out atthe joint.

In some embodiments, substantially all of the outer tube can comprise arefractory material, e.g., a solid body of refractory material. In someinstances, it may be desirable to include one or more opticallytransparent windows in the tube to permit viewing of the atomizationsource. Referring to FIG. 2, a torch comprising an outer tube 200 thatcomprises a generally solid body of refractory material with an entranceend 212 and an exit end 214. The tube 200 can include an opticallytransparent window 220 to permit viewing of atomization source. Forexample, it may be desirable to view the atomization source to permitadjustment of the gas flows and or adjust the position of the torchwithin the induction device, if present. In some embodiments, thesystems described herein can include one or more safety mechanisms thatautomatically shut off the power to the induction device or componentsthereof, e.g., a generator, and/or shut off the gas flows if theatomization source extinguishes. In such instances, an opticallytransparent window can permit optical monitoring of the atomizationsource to ensure it still remains present in the torch. In someinstances, more than a single optically transparent window can bepresent if desired.

In certain examples, the exact dimensions of the optically transparentwindow can vary from torch to torch and system to system. In someembodiments, the optically transparent window is large enough to permitviewing of the atomization source with the unaided human eye from adistance of about 3-5 feet. In other embodiments, the opticallytransparent window may comprise dimensions of about 9 mm to about 18 mm,for example, about 12 mm to about 18 mm. The exact shape of theoptically transparent window can vary from rectangular, elliptical,circular or other geometric shapes can be present. The term “window” isused generally, and in certain instances the window may take the form ofa circular hole that has been drilled radially into the torch. Thedrilled hole can be sealed with an optically transparent material toprovide a substantially fluid tight seal. In certain embodiments, theoptically transparent window may comprise quartz or other generallytransparent materials that can withstand temperatures of around 500-550°C. or higher. In some embodiments, an optical element such as, forexample, a lens, mirror, fiber optic device or the like can be opticallycoupled to the hole or window to collect or receive light (or a signal)provided by the atomization source.

In certain embodiments, the torches described herein can also include aninner tube positioned in an outer tube. In some embodiments, theatomization source can be sustained at a terminal portion of the innertube, and a cooling gas may be provided to cool the tubes of the torch.Referring to FIG. 3, a torch 300 comprises an outer tube 310 and aninner tube 320 within the outer tube 310. As described herein, one ormore refractory materials may be present on an exit end of the outertube 320 to prevent degradation of the exit end. If desired, some or allof the inner tube 320 may also include one or more refractory materials,e.g., at an exit end of the inner tube or substantially all of the innertube may comprise a refractory material. Where a refractory material ispresent in the inner tube, it may be the same or may be different thanthe refractory material present in the outer tube. Where the inner tubecomprises a generally solid refractory material body, an opticallytransparent window can be present on the inner tube and the outer tube.If desired, at least some degree of the optically transparent windows ofthe inner and outer tubes can be aligned so the atomization source inthe torch can be viewed by a user.

In certain embodiments, the torches described herein can be used tosustain a plasma. Referring to FIG. 4, a simplified illustration of atorch 400 is shown. The torch 400 comprises an outer tube 410 comprisinga fluid inlet 412 at an entrance end, and an inner tube 420 comprising afluid inlet 422 at an entrance end. The torch 400 can receive anebulizer 430 or other sample introduction device. In operation, aplasma gas can be introduced through the fluid inlet 412, anintermediate gas can be introduced through the fluid inlet 422, and anebulizer gas and sample can be introduced using the nebulizer 430. Oneor more types of induction devices, e.g., a helical induction coil, flatplate electrodes or other suitable devices can be used to sustain theplasma adjacent to the exit end of the nebulizer 430 and the exit end ofthe inner tube 420. The area or region of the outer tube 410 where theplasma is sustained may comprise one or more refractory materials asdescribed herein. The area of the outer tube 410 that surrounds theinner tube 420 may comprise a non-refractory material, e.g., quartz, ormay comprise a refractory material and an optically transparent windowas described herein. In some embodiments, the segments of the outer tube410 may be fused, adhered to each other, coupled to each other through afrit, a ground glass joint or intermediate material or otherwise joinedto each other to provide a substantially fluid tight seal. In someembodiments, the outer tube 410 may comprise a generally solid quartztube with a coating of refractory material on the inner surfaces wherethe plasma is sustained. The exact length of the coating may vary, butin certain instances, the coating may extend from an exit end of theouter tube 410 to the area immediately underlying the exit end of theinner tube 420. The exact thickness of the coating may also vary but thecoating is desirably not so thick as to interfere with the gas flowsthrough the torch 400.

In certain embodiments, the torches described herein can be present in asystem configured to detect one or more species that have been atomizedand/or ionized by the atomization source. In some embodiments, thesystem comprises a torch comprising a hollow cylindrical outer tubecomprising an entrance end and an exit end, in which the exit end of theouter tube comprises a refractory material in an effective length and/oran effective amount to prevent degradation of the exit end of the torch.In certain embodiments, the system can also include an induction devicecomprising an aperture configured to receive the torch and provide radiofrequency energy to the torch to sustain the atomization source in thetorch.

In some examples, the induction device may be a helical coil as shown inFIG. 5. The system 500 comprises a torch comprising an outer tube 510,an inner tube 520, a nebulizer 530 and a helical induction coil 550. Thesystem 500 can be used to sustain a plasma 560 using the gas flows showngenerally by the arrows in FIG. 5. The region 512 of the outer tube 510may comprise a refractory material coating or may comprise a generallysolid body of refractory material. The helical induction coil 550 may beelectrically coupled to a radio frequency energy source to provide radiofrequency energy to the torch to sustain a plasma 560 within the torch.In some embodiments, optical emission from excited, atomized or ionizedspecies in the plasma can be detected using a suitable detector. Ifdesired, species in the plasma can be provided to a different instrumentor device as described herein.

In some embodiments, the induction device may comprise one or more plateelectrodes. For example and referring to FIG. 6, a system 600 comprisesan outer tube 610, an inner tube 620, a nebulizer 630 and a plateelectrode 642. An optional second plate electrode 644 is shown as beingpresent, and, if desired, three or more plate electrodes may also bepresent. The outer tube 610 can be positioned within apertures of theplate electrodes 642, 644 as shown in FIG. 6. The system 600 can be usedto sustain a plasma 660 using the gas flows shown by the arrows in FIG.6. The region 650 of the outer tube 610 may comprise a refractorymaterial coating or may comprise a generally solid body of refractorymaterial. The plate electrode(s) may be electrically coupled to a radiofrequency energy source to provide radio frequency energy to the torchto sustain a plasma 660 within the torch. In some embodiments, opticalemission from excited, atomized or ionized species in the plasma can bedetected using a suitable detector. If desired, species in the plasmacan be provided to a different instrument or device as described herein.

In certain embodiments, the torches described herein can be used in asystem configured to perform mass spectrometry (MS). For example andreferring to FIG. 7, MS device 700 includes a sample introduction device710, an atomization device 720 which can comprise one or more of thetorches described herein, a mass analyzer 730, a detection device 740, aprocessing device 750 and a display 760. The sample introduction device710, the atomization device 720, the mass analyzer 730 and the detectiondevice 740 may be operated at reduced pressures using one or more vacuumpumps. In certain examples, however, only the mass analyzer 730 and thedetection device 740 may be operated at reduced pressures. The sampleintroduction device 710 may include an inlet system configured toprovide sample to the atomization device 720. The inlet system mayinclude one or more batch inlets, direct probe inlets and/orchromatographic inlets. The sample introduction device 710 may be aninjector, a nebulizer or other suitable devices that may deliver solid,liquid or gaseous samples to the atomization device 720. The atomizationdevice 720 may comprise any one of or more of the torches describedherein that include a refractory material in some part of the torch,e.g., at an exit end of an outer tube of the torch. The mass analyzer730 may take numerous forms depending generally on the sample nature,desired resolution, etc. and exemplary mass analyzers are discussedfurther below. The detection device 740 may be any suitable detectiondevice that may be used with existing mass spectrometers, e.g., electronmultipliers, Faraday cups, coated photographic plates, scintillationdetectors, etc., and other suitable devices that will be selected by theperson of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of thisdisclosure. The processing device 750 typically includes amicroprocessor and/or computer and suitable software for analysis ofsamples introduced into MS device 700. One or more databases may beaccessed by the processing device 750 for determination of the chemicalidentity of species introduced into MS device 700. Other suitableadditional devices known in the art may also be used with the MS device700 including, but not limited to, autosamplers, such as AS-90plus andAS-93plus autosamplers commercially available from PerkinElmer HealthSciences, Inc.

In certain embodiments, the torches described herein can be used inoptical emission spectroscopy (OES). Referring to FIG. 8, OES device 800includes a sample introduction device 810, an atomization device 820comprising one of the torches described herein, and a detection device830. The sample introduction device 810 may vary depending on the natureof the sample. In certain examples, the sample introduction device 810may be a nebulizer that is configured to aerosolize liquid sample forintroduction into the atomization device 820. In other examples, thesample introduction device 810 may be an injector configured to receivesample that may be directly injected or introduced into the atomizationdevice 820. Other suitable devices and methods for introducing sampleswill be readily selected by the person of ordinary skill in the art,given the benefit of this disclosure. The detection device 830 may takenumerous forms and may be any suitable device that may detect opticalemissions, such as optical emission 825. For example, the detectiondevice 830 may include suitable optics, such as lenses, mirrors, prisms,windows, band-pass filters, etc. The detection device 830 may alsoinclude gratings, such as echelle gratings, to provide a multi-channelOES device. Gratings such as echelle gratings may allow for simultaneousdetection of multiple emission wavelengths. The gratings may bepositioned within a monochromator or other suitable device for selectionof one or more particular wavelengths to monitor. In certain examples,the detection device 830 may include a charge coupled device (CCD). Inother examples, the OES device may be configured to implement Fouriertransforms to provide simultaneous detection of multiple emissionwavelengths. The detection device may be configured to monitor emissionwavelengths over a large wavelength range including, but not limited to,ultraviolet, visible, near and far infrared, etc. The OES device 800 mayfurther include suitable electronics such as a microprocessor and/orcomputer and suitable circuitry to provide a desired signal and/or fordata acquisition. Suitable additional devices and circuitry are known inthe art and may be found, for example, on commercially available OESdevices such as Optima 2100DV series and Optima 5000 DV series OESdevices commercially available from PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.The optional amplifier 840 may be operative to increase a signal 835,e.g., amplify the signal from detected photons, and provides the signalto display 850, which may be a readout, computer, etc. In examples wherethe signal 835 is sufficiently large for display or detection, theamplifier 840 may be omitted. In certain examples, the amplifier 840 isa photomultiplier tube configured to receive signals from the detectiondevice 830. Other suitable devices for amplifying signals, however, willbe selected by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given thebenefit of this disclosure. It will also be within the ability of theperson of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of thisdisclosure, to retrofit existing OES devices with the atomizationdevices disclosed here and to design new OES devices using theatomization devices disclosed here. The OES devices may further includeautosamplers, such as AS90 and AS93 autosamplers commercially availablefrom PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc. or similar devices available fromother suppliers.

In certain examples, the torches described herein can be used in anatomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Referring to FIG. 9, a single beamAAS 900 comprises a power source 910, a lamp 920, a sample introductiondevice 925, an atomization device 930 comprising one of the torchesdescribed herein, a detection device 940, an optional amplifier 950 anda display 960. The power source 910 may be configured to supply power tothe lamp 920, which provides one or more wavelengths of light 922 forabsorption by atoms and ions. Suitable lamps include, but are notlimited to mercury lamps, cathode ray lamps, lasers, etc. The lamp maybe pulsed using suitable choppers or pulsed power supplies, or inexamples where a laser is implemented, the laser may be pulsed with aselected frequency, e.g. 5, 10, or 20 times/second. The exactconfiguration of the lamp 920 may vary. For example, the lamp 920 mayprovide light axially along the torch body of the atomization device 930or may provide light radially along the atomization device 930. Theexample shown in FIG. 9 is configured for axial supply of light from thelamp 920. As discussed above, there may be signal-to-noise advantagesusing axial viewing of signals. The atomization device 930 may be any ofthe atomization devices discussed herein or other suitable atomizationdevices including a boost device that may be readily selected ordesigned by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefitof this disclosure. As sample is atomized and/or ionized in theatomization device 930, the incident light 922 from the lamp 20 mayexcite atoms. That is, some percentage of the light 922 that is suppliedby the lamp 920 may be absorbed by the atoms and ions in the torch ofatomization device 930. The segment of the torch that includes therefractory material may include one or more optical windows, if desired,to permit receipt and/or transmission of light from the lamp 920. Theremaining percentage of the light 935 may be transmitted to thedetection device 940. The detection device 940 may provide one or moresuitable wavelengths using, for example, prisms, lenses, gratings andother suitable devices such as those discussed above in reference to theOES devices, for example. The signal may be provided to the optionalamplifier 950 for increasing the signal provided to the display 960. Toaccount for the amount of absorption by sample in the atomization device930, a blank, such as water, may be introduced prior to sampleintroduction to provide a 100% transmittance reference value. The amountof light transmitted once sample is introduced into atomization chambermay be measured, and the amount of light transmitted with sample may bedivided by the reference value to obtain the transmittance. The negativelog₁₀ of the transmittance is equal to the absorbance. AS device 900 mayfurther include suitable electronics such as a microprocessor and/orcomputer and suitable circuitry to provide a desired signal and/or fordata acquisition. Suitable additional devices and circuitry may befound, for example, on commercially available AS devices such asAAnalyst series spectrometers commercially available from PerkinElmerHealth Sciences, Inc. It will also be within the ability of the personof ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, toretrofit existing AS devices with the atomization devices disclosed hereand to design new AS devices using the atomization devices disclosedhere. The AS devices may further include autosamplers known in the art,such as AS-90A, AS-90plus and AS-93plus autosamplers commerciallyavailable from PerkinElmer, Inc. In certain embodiments, a double beamAAS device, instead of a single beam AAS device, comprising one of thetorches described herein may be used to measure atomic absorption ofspecies.

In certain embodiments, a method of reducing degradation of a torch caninclude providing a torch comprising a hollow cylindrical outer tubecomprising an entrance end and an exit end, in which the exit endcomprises an effective amount of a refractory material. In someexamples, the refractory material can be configured to be present at aneffective length in a longitudinal direction of the torch and along aninternal surface of the outer tube of the torch. In other examples, therefractory material can be configured to be coated onto the innersurface of the outer tube of the torch. In some embodiments, therefractory material can be configured to be at least one of alumina,yttria, ceria, silicon nitride, boron nitride or refractory materials orceramics that have working temperature greater than 1600 degrees Celsiusor greater than 2000 degrees Celsius. In certain examples, the torch canbe configured with a hollow cylindrical inner tube comprising anentrance end and an exit end, in which the exit end of the inner tubecomprises an effective amount or an effective length or both of arefractory material.

In some examples, a method of reducing degradation of a torch configuredto sustain an atomization source can include providing a torchcomprising a hollow cylindrical outer tube comprising an entrance endand an exit end and a hollow cylindrical inner tube within the hollowcylindrical outer tube, in which the hollow cylindrical inner tubecomprises an entrance end and an exit end and in which the exit end ofthe outer tube comprises an effective amount, an effective length orboth of a refractory material. In certain embodiments, the method caninclude configuring the refractory material to be present at aneffective length in a longitudinal direction of the torch and along aninternal surface of the outer tube of the torch. In some examples, themethod can include configuring the refractory material to be coated ontothe inner surface of the outer tube of the torch. In certainembodiments, the method can include configuring the refractory materialto be at least one of alumina, yttria, ceria, silicon nitride, boronnitride or refractory materials or ceramics that have workingtemperature greater than 1600 degrees Celsius or greater than 2000degrees Celsius. In additional examples, the method can includeconfiguring the torch with a hollow cylindrical inner tube comprising anentrance end and an exit end, in which the exit end of the inner tubecomprises an effective amount, an effective length or both of arefractory material.

Certain specific examples are described below to illustrate further someof the novel aspects of the technology described herein.

EXAMPLE 1

A photograph of a conventional plasma torch comprising a quartz outertube is shown in FIG. 10. An exit end 1010 of the torch is shown asbeing degraded from exposure to the high plasma temperatures, which canresult in devitrification of the exit end. Where lower cooling gas flowsare used the devitrification issues can occur at faster rates. By usinga refractory material coating on the surfaces shown as devitrified inFIG. 10, the torch lifetime can be greatly increased. Alternatively, thedevitrified area can be replaced with a refractory material body torepair the torch and permit use of the new torch comprising therefractory material.

EXAMPLE 2

An illustration of a torch is shown in FIG. 11. The overall length L ofthe torch is about 120 mm. A tip 1110, e.g., a silicon nitride tip, ispresent from the end of the torch at a length of about 26 mm. A groundglass joint 1130 is present between a quartz body 1120 and the top 1110and spans about 10 mm on the torch with about 2 mm of overlap with thetip 1110. If desired, the ground glass joint can be polished orotherwise rendered substantially optically transparent to permit bettervisualization of the plasma in the torch.

When introducing elements of the examples disclosed herein, the articles“a,” “an,” “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one ormore of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having”are intended to be open-ended and mean that there may be additionalelements other than the listed elements. It will be recognized by theperson of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of thisdisclosure, that various components of the examples can be interchangedor substituted with various components in other examples.

Although certain aspects, examples and embodiments have been describedabove, it will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art,given the benefit of this disclosure, that additions, substitutions,modifications, and alterations of the disclosed illustrative aspects,examples and embodiments are possible.

1-50. (canceled)
 51. A system for sustaining an atomization source, thesystem comprising: a torch comprising a hollow cylindrical outer tubecomprising an entrance end and an exit end, in which the exit endcomprises a refractory material in an effective length and an effectiveamount to prevent degradation of the exit end of the torch; and aninduction device comprising an aperture configured to receive the torchand provide radio frequency energy to the torch to sustain theatomization source in the body of the torch.
 52. The system of claim 51,in which the induction device is configured as a helical coil.
 53. Thesystem of claim 51, in which the induction device is configured as atleast one plate electrode.
 54. The system of claim 53, in which theinduction device is configured as two plate electrodes.
 55. The systemof claim 53, in which the induction device is configured as three plateelectrodes.
 56. The system of claim 51, in which the torch furthercomprises an inner hollow cylindrical tube comprising an entrance endand an exit end, in which the exit end of the inner hollow tubecomprises a refractory material in an effective length and an effectiveamount to prevent degradation of the exit end of the inner hollow tube.57. The system of claim 51, further comprising a radio frequency energysource electrically coupled to the induction device.
 58. The system ofclaim 51, further comprising a detector configured to detect excitedspecies in the torch body.
 59. The system of claim 51, furthercomprising a mass spectrometer fluidically coupled to the torch body andconfigured to receive species exiting from the torch body.
 60. The tosystem of claim 51, in which the refractory materials comprises at leastone of alumina, yttria, ceria, silicon nitride, boron nitride orrefractory materials or ceramics that have working temperature greaterthan 1600 degrees Celsius or greater than 2000 degrees Celsius.
 61. Asystem for sustaining an atomization source, the system comprising: atorch comprising a hollow cylindrical outer tube comprising an entranceend and an exit end and a hollow cylindrical inner tube comprising anentrance end and an exit end, in which the inner tube is positioned inthe outer tube, in which the exit end of the inner tube comprises arefractory material in an effective length and an effective amount toprevent degradation of the exit end of the outer tube; and an inductiondevice comprising an aperture configured to receive the torch andprovide radio frequency energy to the torch to sustain the atomizationsource in the torch.
 62. The system of claim 61, in which the inductiondevice is configured as a helical coil.
 63. The system of claim 61, inwhich the induction device is configured as at least one plateelectrode.
 64. The system of claim 63, in which the induction device isconfigured as two plate electrodes.
 65. The system of claim 63, in whichthe induction device is configured as three plate electrodes.
 66. Thesystem of claim 61, in which the inner tube further comprises arefractory material at the exit end.
 67. The system of claim 61, furthercomprising a radio frequency energy source electrically coupled to theinduction device.
 68. The system of claim 61, further comprising adetector configured to detect excited species in the torch body.
 69. Thesystem of claim 61, further comprising a mass spectrometer fluidicallycoupled to the torch body and configured to receive species exiting fromthe torch body.
 70. The system of claim 61, in which the refractorymaterials comprises at least one of alumina, yttria, ceria, siliconnitride, boron nitride or refractory materials or ceramics that haveworking temperature greater than 1600 degrees Celsius or greater than2000 degrees Celsius. 71-135. (canceled)